The lost film shows: screening films on the home front

25 November, 2017, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Event Navigation

In 1940, the Ministry of Information launched its mobile film show scheme. Running for the rest of the war, the Ministry’s mobile film units were vans containing projectors and screens that were driven around the country by a driver-projectionist, to give free film shows in village halls, schools and factories. The event will recreate a film show in the former home of the Ministry with a selection of information films and documentaries on the war effort and the home front. 1940s dress is encouraged and the films will be followed by tea and cake.

The event will celebrate the many shows given for voluntary groups and societies including Townswomen’s Guilds, Working Men’s Clubs, the Home Guard and Women’s Institutes. In the accompanying talk, Hollie Price – Postdoctoral Fellow on the Ministry of Information Project based at the School of Advanced Study – will discuss the organisation of these shows and their role in local communities on the home front.